Is Earle, Arkansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Earle, Arkansas, begin by researching local regulations through the Earle City Hall and Crittenden County offices, as Arkansas generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific zoning requirements and occupancy limits. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city (approximately $25-50), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify compliance with any HOA restrictions if applicable. Find a suitable property in Earle's residential areas, considering proximity to attractions like the Mississippi River or nearby Memphis (45 minutes away), with properties typically ranging from $30,000-80,000 for purchase or $400-800 monthly for rental arbitrage. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, TV, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting unique features, set competitive pricing around $45-75 per night based on local market rates, and write compelling descriptions emphasizing Earle's small-town charm and proximity to regional attractions. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and considering hiring local cleaning services or property management companies if needed, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and monitoring local regulation changes through the Arkansas Department of Health and city officials.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Earle, Arkansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of the Mississippi River waterfront and near Highway 64 for accessibility, as this small Delta town of approximately 2,000 residents attracts visitors for fishing, hunting, and agricultural tourism. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, priced between $40,000-$80,000 for purchase. Analyze comparable nightly rates in nearby West Memphis ($60-$90) and adjust downward to $45-$70 for Earle's smaller market, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within a 15-mile radius including properties in Memphis suburbs. Use AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources like Crittenden County property records, Earle Chamber of Commerce for event calendars, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission data for hunting/fishing seasons that drive demand. Consider properties near Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge and factor in seasonal fluctuations with peak demand during hunting seasons (October-January) and summer fishing months, while maintaining competitive pricing 10-15% below West Memphis rates to attract budget-conscious travelers seeking rural experiences.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Earle, Arkansas, you will need to contact the Earle City Hall at 870-792-8244 or visit their office at 300 Frisco Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and permit requirements. Based on typical Arkansas municipal requirements, you will likely need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is estimated at $50-150 annually, with potential additional inspection fees of $25-75. You must ensure the property meets all building codes, fire safety requirements, and zoning regulations for short-term rentals in residential areas. The approval timeline typically takes 2-4 weeks after submitting all required documentation, and you may need to display the permit number in your Airbnb listing and provide it to guests upon request. Contact the city clerk's office to confirm current requirements as Earle may have specific ordinances regarding maximum occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions that must be followed.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Earle, Arkansas are generally legal under state law, as Arkansas does not prohibit STRs at the state level and allows local municipalities to regulate them. However, Earle, a small city in Crittenden County with approximately 2,000 residents, does not appear to have comprehensive STR-specific regulations in place as of 2024. The city likely falls under basic zoning ordinances that may restrict commercial activities in residential areas, potentially limiting STR operations depending on the property's zoning classification. Property owners should verify compliance with local business licensing requirements and any applicable occupancy or safety standards. Given Earle's small size and limited tourism infrastructure, STR activity is likely minimal, and the city may not have felt the need to implement specific regulations like larger Arkansas cities such as Little Rock or Fayetteville have done. Property owners considering STR operations should contact Earle's city hall to confirm current requirements, as small municipalities can quickly implement new regulations as STR activity increases in their area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Earle, Arkansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which offers proximity to the Mississippi River waterfront and potential for heritage tourism given the town's railroad history dating back to the 1880s. The residential neighborhoods near Earle High School and the city center provide good access to local amenities while maintaining quiet, family-friendly atmospheres that appeal to longer-term stays. Areas close to Highway 64 and Interstate 40 access points are attractive for business travelers and those passing through the Arkansas Delta region, particularly workers in agriculture and transportation industries. The neighborhoods near Crittenden Regional Hospital could serve medical travelers and visiting families, while properties within walking distance of local parks and the levee system appeal to outdoor enthusiasts interested in fishing, hunting, and Mississippi River activities that draw visitors to the Arkansas Delta region.

Airbnb properties in Earle, Arkansas are subject to Arkansas state lodging tax of 2% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is collected by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and must be remitted monthly by hosts who register for a sales tax permit. Additionally, Crittenden County imposes a 2% county lodging tax that applies to short-term rental accommodations, bringing the total lodging tax burden to approximately 4%. The City of Earle may impose local occupancy taxes up to 3% under Arkansas municipal authority, though specific rates vary by local ordinance. Hosts are required to register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month along with tax payments. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from these lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for stays related to medical treatment or government business, though hosts should verify current local regulations as tax rates and collection procedures can change through municipal ordinances.

To start an Airbnb in Earle, Arkansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase costs around $45,000-$55,000 based on the median home price in this rural Arkansas Delta community. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration would total $300-$800. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $400-$600. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($500), and platform fees on estimated $12,000 revenue would total approximately $4,200, bringing the complete startup investment to around $90,000 for a turnkey Airbnb operation in Earle, Arkansas.

Airbnb properties in Earle, Arkansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 1,800 residents and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this Mississippi River Delta community typically generate modest revenues of $8,000-$15,000 annually, with average daily rates ranging from $45-$75 due to the rural location and lower local income levels. Operating expenses including utilities, maintenance, insurance, and Airbnb fees consume roughly 60-70% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins between 30-40% before accounting for property taxes and mortgage payments. Success factors for profitable operations include targeting river recreation enthusiasts, hunters during duck season, and workers from nearby industrial facilities along the Mississippi River corridor. Properties within walking distance of the riverfront or featuring outdoor amenities like fire pits and fishing access tend to perform better, with occupancy rates of 40-55% compared to 25-35% for standard residential properties. The limited competition from hotels - with only basic lodging options in the broader Crittenden County area - provides some advantage, but the overall market size constraints mean most investors would see better returns in larger Arkansas markets like Little Rock or Fayetteville.

Based on Earle, Arkansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and renovation requirements. Properties in Earle generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-95 and occupancy rates around 45-60% annually due to the town's proximity to Memphis and Mississippi River tourism. Initial investment costs for suitable properties range from $40,000-80,000, with monthly gross revenues averaging $800-1,400 per property. The market benefits from limited short-term rental competition and steady demand from business travelers, river tourists, and visitors to nearby Parkin Archeological State Park, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during spring and fall months when outdoor activities and mild weather drive higher occupancy rates.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Earle, Arkansas, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents in the Phillips County area who specialize in investment properties include Century 21 Arkansas Properties and Coldwell Banker Elite, both of which have experience with vacation rental investments in eastern Arkansas markets. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property management solutions for Airbnb investors in smaller Arkansas markets like Earle. Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that can evaluate potential returns for short-term rentals in the Mississippi River Delta region. Local property management companies such as Arkansas Rental Management and Delta Property Services can assist with ongoing operations once properties are acquired. Real estate investment firms like BiggerPockets' marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature properties in rural Arkansas markets suitable for short-term rental conversion. Additionally, local banks such as First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas and Simmons Bank provide financing options specifically tailored for investment properties in the region.